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Chinese in Seattle

By DANIEL DEMAY|February 5, 2016

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

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"During the mid-1880s, a nationwide economic depression led to widespread unemployment. Many white workers accused immigrants of taking their jobs. On the west coast, Chinese laborers were the targets of anger and mob violence. In the fall of 1885, anti-Chinese feelings in Seattle led to four months of riots aimed at driving the Chinese out of the city. Some Seattle citizens organized to uphold the law and protect the Chinese. Even so, many Chinese laborers were driven from their homes and forced onto ships in the bay. Early in 1886, President Grover Cleveland declared martial law and sent in federal troops to restore order. This 1886 illustration from Harper's Weekly, a national magazine, shows the anti-Chinese riots in Seattle. It shows a group of Chinese men (center) being chased and beaten by the mob." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Lantern Slide Collection, Asahel Curtis photo, image number 2002.3.410. less

"During the mid-1880s, a nationwide economic depression led to widespread unemployment. Many white workers accused immigrants of taking their jobs. On the west coast, Chinese laborers were the targets of anger ... more

"During the mid-1880s, a nationwide economic depression led to widespread unemployment. Many white workers accused immigrants of taking their jobs. On the west coast, Chinese laborers were the targets of anger and mob violence. In the fall of 1885, anti-Chinese feelings in Seattle led to four months of riots aimed at driving the Chinese out of the city. Some Seattle citizens organized to uphold the law and protect the Chinese. Even so, many Chinese laborers were driven from their homes and forced onto ships in the bay. Early in 1886, President Grover Cleveland declared martial law and sent in federal troops to restore order. This 1885 illustration from Harper's Weekly, a national magazine, shows the anti-Chinese riots in Seattle. It shows a group of Chinese men (center) being chased and beaten by the mob." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Historical Society Collection, image number shs3131. less

"During the mid-1880s, a nationwide economic depression led to widespread unemployment. Many white workers accused immigrants of taking their jobs. On the west coast, Chinese laborers were the targets of anger ... more

"In the 1880s, Chinese laborers were recruited by railroad companies because they worked for lower pay than whites. Chinese men were often assigned to such dangerous tasks as blasting through rock and laying tracks in tunnels or on river bluffs. Of the 20,000 men that built the Northern Pacific branch line between Pasco and Tacoma, 15,000 were Chinese. This 1885 photo shows a group of Northern Pacific Railroad construction workers in front of a locomotive at a crossing on the Green River. A Chinese worker sits in front, to the left, with a scarf around his neck." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Historical Society Collection, image number shs5907. less

"In the 1880s, Chinese laborers were recruited by railroad companies because they worked for lower pay than whites. Chinese men were often assigned to such dangerous tasks as blasting through rock and laying ... more

"In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese labor contractors brought thousands of Chinese men to the Pacific Northwest to build railroads and to work in canneries, logging camps and coal mines. Companies depended on labor contractors to recruit workers, to move them where they were needed, to feed and house them, and to keep track of their pay. Chin Gee Hee was one of Seattle's most active Chinese labor contractors. This photo, taken by Asahel Curtis sometime between 1901 and 1906, shows Chin Gee Hee in his Seattle office. Chin lived in Seattle in the 1890s and early 1900s but returned to China around 1906 to build his homeland's first railway." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Asahel Curtis photo, image number shs1152. less

"In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese labor contractors brought thousands of Chinese men to the Pacific Northwest to build railroads and to work in canneries, logging camps and coal mines. ... more

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

"In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese labor... Photo-9361313.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"During the mid-1880s, a nationwide economic depression led to widespread unemployment. Many white workers accused immigrants of taking their jobs. On the west coast, Chinese laborers were the targets of anger and mob violence. In the fall of 1885, anti-Chinese feelings in Seattle led to four months of riots aimed at driving the Chinese out of the city. Some Seattle citizens organized to uphold the law and protect the Chinese. Even so, many Chinese laborers were driven from their homes and forced onto ships in the bay. Early in 1886, President Grover Cleveland declared martial law and sent in federal troops to restore order. This pass, signed by the Provost Marshal, gave C.W. Parker permission to pass freely to his business during the period when troops were attempting to quell the disturbances." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Lantern Slide Collection, image number 2002.3.156. less

"During the mid-1880s, a nationwide economic depression led to widespread unemployment. Many white workers accused immigrants of taking their jobs. On the west coast, Chinese laborers were the targets of anger ... more

This image, a photograph of an illustration that appeared in West Shore in March 1886, shows the Chinese in China Town in Seattle packing up to leave the city. Most of the Chinese would wind up on ships sailing for San Francisco, though enough would stay to keep the part of the city alive until Chinese immigration opened up again in 1943. less

This image, a photograph of an illustration that appeared in West Shore in March 1886, shows the Chinese in China Town in Seattle packing up to leave the city. Most of the Chinese would wind up on ships sailing ... more

Photo: Courtesy UW Special Collections

This image, a photograph of an illustration that appeared in West... Photo-9361325.124656 - seattlepi.com

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This image, a photo of a magazine drawing from the time, shows the Chinese down on the Seattle waterfront in 1886, likely after they were rounded up and brought down there to be shipped out of the city.

This image, a photo of a magazine drawing from the time, shows the Chinese down on the Seattle waterfront in 1886, likely after they were rounded up and brought down there to be shipped out of the city.

Photo: Courtesy UW Special Collections

This image, a photo of a magazine drawing from the time, shows the... Photo-9361324.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"Since the late 19th century, trade with China and other countries bordering the Pacific Ocean has been very important to Seattle. Over the years, various groups of people from these Asian nations have visited Seattle to promote their countries' products. In 1920, nearly $14 million worth of Chinese goods came through Washington ports. This photo, taken about 1920, shows three women visiting Seattle with the Chinese Silk Commission." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1971.1. less

"Since the late 19th century, trade with China and other countries bordering the Pacific Ocean has been very important to Seattle. Over the years, various groups of people from these Asian nations have visited ... more

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

"Since the late 19th century, trade with China and other... Photo-9361312.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"Starting in 1907, Chinese and Japanese businesses began moving to the area around King Street. By the 1920s, most of Seattle's Chinese residents lived and worked there. The population was largely male, because very restrictive laws kept most Chinese wives from immigrating to the United States to join their husbands. Many of the men lived in rooms in the Hotel Niagara and other transient hotels. This photo shows the corner of King Street and Seventh Avenue around 1920. A sign on the building advertises the rooms available at the Hotel Niagara." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1774.2. less

"Starting in 1907, Chinese and Japanese businesses began moving to the area around King Street. By the 1920s, most of Seattle's Chinese residents lived and worked there. The population was largely male, because ... more

"In the early 1900s, Chinese businesses began moving to the area around King Street. By the 1920s, most of Seattle's Chinese residents lived and worked there. Other Asian immigrants soon followed, notably Japanese and Filipinos attracted by the area's inexpensive housing and storefronts for their own businesses and restaurants. By the late 1930s, Chinatown was established as a distinct neighborhood along with the West Coast's second largest "Japan Town" on and around Yesler Way. This view looks northeast on Washington Street. The South End Public Market, located at 302 Washington Street in 1934, is visible on the left side of the street." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, image number 1986.5.7828.4. less

"In the early 1900s, Chinese businesses began moving to the area around King Street. By the 1920s, most of Seattle's Chinese residents lived and worked there. Other Asian immigrants soon followed, notably ... more

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

"In the early 1900s, Chinese businesses began moving to the... Photo-9361322.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"In western Washington, hop vines were grown on tall poles. At harvest time, workers lowered the vines and picked the hops into wooden boxes. The boxes were a standard size and had handles so that two people could carry them. Pickers were paid by the box or by the pound. In this photo, probably taken in the 1890s, a man checks with workers in a western Washington hopfield. At this hop farm, many of the men harvesting the hops are Chinese." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Historical Society Collection, image number shs15558. less

"In western Washington, hop vines were grown on tall poles. At harvest time, workers lowered the vines and picked the hops into wooden boxes. The boxes were a standard size and had handles so that two people ... more

"Seattle's Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened on the University of Washington campus in July 1909. Each day of the exposition was filled with parades, celebrations, and other special events. China Day, September 13, was one of the most popular events of the fair. The program included a parade of Chinese residents with a dragon, floats, bands, and warriers in costume. The day ended with fireworks. This photo shows a crowd watching the Chinese parade on Second Avenue. It took a line of 30 to 50 men to carry the 150-foot long dragon. So many of Seattle's Chinese residents took part in the parade that most Chinatown businesses closed for the day." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.8420. less

"Seattle's Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened on the University of Washington campus in July 1909. Each day of the exposition was filled with parades, celebrations, and other special events. China Day, ... more

"In 1920 and 1921, China suffered a serious famine made worse by civil war. Between 15 and 25 million people died in five northern provinces alone. In Seattle, people of Chinese ancestry worked hard to raise money for the Chinese Famine Fund. This photo shows a group of Chinese students from the University of Washington who acted as tour guides in Chinatown to raise money for famine relief. Some of the students wear traditional clothing and others wear western clothing." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.2190. less

"In 1920 and 1921, China suffered a serious famine made worse by civil war. Between 15 and 25 million people died in five northern provinces alone. In Seattle, people of Chinese ancestry worked hard to raise ... more

"In 1920 and 1921, up to 25 million people died in a famine in northern China. Seattle's Chinese residents raised money at the Go-Hing festival for the Chinese Famine Fund and other relief efforts. In this photo, Lily Chinn (left) and Florence Chinn (right) sell tickets for tours of Chinatown at a branch of the Scandinavian-American Bank in Seattle. They are also selling stamps for the Chinese Famine Fund and chances on a carpet. Florence Chinn was Queen of the Go-Hing festival." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.2189. less

"In 1920 and 1921, up to 25 million people died in a famine in northern China. Seattle's Chinese residents raised money at the Go-Hing festival for the Chinese Famine Fund and other relief efforts. In this ... more

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

"In 1920 and 1921, up to 25 million people died in a famine in... Photo-9361318.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"In 1921, Seattle's Chinese residents held a week-long carnival, called Go-Hing, to raise money for the Chinese Famine Fund. In this photo, a Chinese dance group poses on King Street in Chinatown, now the International District. One group member wears the head of a Lion Dance costume and others hold their musical instruments." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.2187.2. less

"In 1921, Seattle's Chinese residents held a week-long carnival, called Go-Hing, to raise money for the Chinese Famine Fund. In this photo, a Chinese dance group poses on King Street in Chinatown, now the ... more

This photo shows Chinese workers in Seattle making horse slings in August 1899. The slings would be used to lift horses onto ships headed for the Phillipine American War. -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Anders Beer Wilse photograph, image number 1980.6967.40. less

This photo shows Chinese workers in Seattle making horse slings in August 1899. The slings would be used to lift horses onto ships headed for the Phillipine American War. -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Anders ... more

"Seattle's Potlatch of Progress opened July 10, 1938. During its four sunny days of events, Seattleites and visitors enjoyed several parades, a Native American gathering, a swim carnival, horseracing, fishing contests, fireworks at Green Lake and the dedication of Alaskan Way." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, image number PI22612. less

"Seattle's Potlatch of Progress opened July 10, 1938. During its four sunny days of events, Seattleites and visitors enjoyed several parades, a Native American gathering, a swim carnival, horseracing, fishing ... more

"Sometime around 1927, a Webster & Stevens photographer took a picture of a Chinese artist doing brush painting in his Seattle yard. The Museum of History & Industry would like to learn more about this artist and his life. If you have information that might help, please contact the museum library." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.3788.1. less

"Sometime around 1927, a Webster & Stevens photographer took a picture of a Chinese artist doing brush painting in his Seattle yard. The Museum of History & Industry would like to learn more about this artist ... more

"In late May 1921, Seattle's Chinese community held a carnival, called Go-Hing, to raise money for famine relief in China. The streets of Chinatown were decorated, and all of Seattle was invited to a week of Chinese music, dance, and food. This photo shows the arch on King Street in Seattle at the entrance to the Go-Hing festival. The event raised money for famine relief in China." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.2188. less

"In late May 1921, Seattle's Chinese community held a carnival, called Go-Hing, to raise money for famine relief in China. The streets of Chinatown were decorated, and all of Seattle was invited to a week of ... more

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

"In late May 1921, Seattle's Chinese community held a... Photo-9361315.124656 - seattlepi.com

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This photo, filed in the P-I on July 10, 1944, shows Chinese American children in Victory Square. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, image number PI28269.

This photo, filed in the P-I on July 10, 1944, shows Chinese American children in Victory Square. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, image number PI28269.

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

This photo, filed in the P-I on July 10, 1944, shows Chinese... Photo-9361314.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"Chen Chong arrived in Seattle in the 1860s and became one of the city's first Chinese merchants. He owned a cigar store on the east side of First Avenue South, near Washington Street and supplied contract labor to area businesses and industries. In 1866, Chen Chong was married at the Brown (Methodist) Church. Both bride and groom wore borrowed clothing for the wedding. This photo is probably the couple's wedding portrait." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Historical Society Collection, Samuels photo, image number shs4000. less

"Chen Chong arrived in Seattle in the 1860s and became one of the city's first Chinese merchants. He owned a cigar store on the east side of First Avenue South, near Washington Street and supplied contract ... more

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

"Chen Chong arrived in Seattle in the 1860s and became one of... Photo-9361303.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"In the salmon industry, people of different races held different jobs. White workers caught the fish and took care of the equipment while Chinese laborers sorted, butchered, and canned the fish. In this photo, a Chinese worker sorts salmon into various kinds and sizes. The photo was taken by Anders B. Wilse at a Puget Sound cannery wharf sometime around 1900." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, George and Louisa Frye Collection, Anders B. Wilse photo, image number 1990.45.20. less

"In the salmon industry, people of different races held different jobs. White workers caught the fish and took care of the equipment while Chinese laborers sorted, butchered, and canned the fish. In this photo, ... more

Photo: Courtesy MOHAI

"In the salmon industry, people of different races held... Photo-9361305.124656 - seattlepi.com

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"In 1902, machines started replacing the Chinese cannery workers who butchered and canned the fish. This machine, called the "Iron Chink" slit the fish open, cut off the fins, and removed the guts. With the machine, workers could process fish 50% to 75% faster than they could by hand. At the same time, this invention put many Chinese laborers out of work. In this photo, three Chinese men work at an "Iron Chink" salmon butchering machine at the Pacific American Fisheries cannery in the Fairhaven district of Bellingham. The photo was taken by Asahel Curtis in 1905." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, Seattle Historical Society Collection, Asahel Curtis photo, image number shs16233. less

"In 1902, machines started replacing the Chinese cannery workers who butchered and canned the fish. This machine, called the "Iron Chink" slit the fish open, cut off the fins, and removed the guts. With the ... more